Clerks endorse no-reason' absentee voting

Absentee voting could become a bit easier if the men and women who administer elections can convince state legislators to change the law.

Shelby Township Clerk Stanley Grot is the latest clerk to push for “no-reason” absentee voting in Michigan. In a news release distributed this week, Grot called for a change in the current system that requires voters under age 60 to designate a reason why they should be permitted to obtain an absentee ballot. Voters age 60 and over are eligible for absentee ballots automatically.

“I personally witnessed individuals trying to figure out which of these reasons fit their needs,” said Grot, serving his first term as Shelby Township clerk. “Often, none of the reasons fit their criteria for requesting an absentee ballot.”

Voters under age 60 who request absentee ballots are asked to designate one five reasons for their request:

• Expected absence from their residence during the entire time polls are open on election day;

• Physically incapable of getting to the polls without help;

• Conflict with religious beliefs;

• Employed as a election worker at a precinct other than the one at which they vote;

• Incarcerated awaiting arraignment or trial.

Clerks are not required to verify the voters’ reasons. Changing state law would eliminate the need to state a reason, and most likely increase voter participation, Grot said.

“By having no-reason absentee voting, we will increase voter participation and eliminate the anxiety of voters having to wait in line and missing work,” Grot said. “Also, we will be providing the voters a more convenient and simple way to participate in the elections.”

Grot has plenty of support. Secretary of State Ruth Johnson included no-reason absentee voting as part of a proposal for secure and fair elections in October 2011.

The secretary of state would require only that absentee voters present the same valid identification as residents who go to the polls on election day, said Gisgie Gendreau, Johnson’s communications director,

“No-reason absentee voting would allow every registered Michigan voter the opportunity to vote 45 days in advance of the election, enjoying convenient and secure voting,” Gendreau said.